Chainring bolts how do i tighten them

fixiebob

Hi all is there a tool to help tighten chainring bolts and do i have to put threadlock on them I am taking off inner chainring as its going on my fixie so do i need shorter bolts :?:

Thanx in advance

ride_whenever

There is a tool to help tighten the bolts. slotted to hold the nut whilst you thread the bolt in and nip it up, it's a bit of a pain to use though.

You don't want threadlock, as they're unlikely to come undoe as there is no unbolting action on them. Grease everywhere on them is best to prevent squeaking.

Basically you only need narrower bolts if you're removing a ring that acts as a spacer inbetween the bolt and nut, otherwise it'll be fine. Also try with your current bolts, if you can do them up then they're fine!

redvee

You want one of these. I've managed to get by for 10 years without using one but for the sake of sick squid it will be handy from time to time.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/LifeL ... 360031521/

meagain

I have a similar tool - but not often needed! An old broad bladed screw driver with a groove filed down the middle will do, but they usually pretty much self-tighten anyway.

alfablue

Or this one for £2.99

redvee

alfablue wrote:

Or this one for £2.99

Cheapskate

nicklouse

and how to use it.

andrewgturnbull

fixiebob wrote:

Hi all is there a tool to help tighten chainring bolts and do i have to put threadlock on them I am taking off inner chainring as its going on my fixie so do i need shorter bolts :?:

Thanx in advance

HI there.

Yup - you'll need shorter bolts if you're removing a ring - you can buy them for less than a fiver for the set. Try any shop that does bmx stuff.

Are you sure you're taking off the inner ring? Most chainsets usually give you a better chainline if you put your single ring on the inside and get rid of the outer ring. Your mileage may vary...

I always use threadlock, cos if those chainbolts aren't tight then you'll get a very irritatiing ticking noise when you're really putting a lot of force through the pedals. I've also snapped a few chainring bolts by overtightening... threadlock lets you get away with having to use too much torque.

Cheers, Andy

ps Some bolts have allan key fittings on the back, rather than the slots shown above.

andrewgturnbull

nicklouse wrote:

and how to use it.

Which reminds me... best do this job with the chain on the big ring, or wear thick gloves. When your hand slips (cos that wee slotted tool always does), then you end up with nice deep chainring cuts on the back of your hand!

El Gordo

andrewgturnbull wrote:

then you end up with nice deep chainring cuts on the back of your hand!

I still have three little scars in a row across the back of my hand from doing just that about 12 years ago. It took several years for the black grease to disappear from the punctures.

gematkinson1

i bought a standard set of chainring bolts (£5) from evans for my fixed gear pista and they worked fine, i think they are all pretty much standard?

nicklouse

there are many sizes.
all the same diameter but the thickness of the rings to hold varies.

single ring set up use 6,5mm double ring 8,5mm

then there are longer options for special situations. eg: 10,5mm/16mm

there are also spacers available in the following widths 0.6mm/1.2mm/2.0mm/3.5mm

gematkinson1

ahhh never realised that.

guess i just lucked out buying a bag randomley and them fitting...

fixiebob

Thanks all ill buy shorter ones and try them on inside and outside ring see which gives best chainline.